A member asked:

I filling fell out. is it better to get a filling filled first or have cosmetic dentistry?

39 doctors weighed in across 17 answers

Filling: A filling is done to regain function and avoid future problems, cosmetic is merely elective so it can be delayed.

Answered 1/2/2015

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Filling replaced: Even if you do not have pain and the filling fell out from a back tooth and has no concern to you, things can change - the exposed dentin can decay more rapidly and result in advanced decay, need for more major work including a root canal and / ot crown due to delay. If your filling fell out from a front tooth then you may be accomplishing two goals at once!

Answered 12/11/2012

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See your dentist: Do not compromise your oral health waiting for a procedure, your dwntist will council you.

Answered 12/11/2012

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Dr. Dominick Curalli answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Filling: Fillings usually fall out for a reason. There is likely another cavity in your tooth. See your dentist soon to have it replaced. Waiting can lead to more pain and more costly work.

Answered 3/26/2013

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Susceptible: Dental fillings are used to fill holes in teeth and protect the tooth from further decay. If tissue inside the tooth is exposed, it can be painful, as the nerves are often exposed. If a dental filling falls out, the tooth is susceptible to pain and further damage. It may be better to get a filling filled and see a dentist as soon as possible.

Answered 9/25/2016

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Filling first: Dentists are most concerned about your oral health. If you need decay removed from a tooth and a filling placed, it is advisable to do that first. It would be a disservice to you and your dental health for a dentist to do some cosmetic work in the presence of disease.

Answered 7/4/2013

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Dr. Peter Certo answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Filling: If you put the lost filling off, it could give you a toothache or infection. Any descent dentist would not do cosmetics first. Get that lost filling replaced asap. It could become a large expense by way of root canal and a crown.

Answered 1/14/2016

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Dr. Gabriel Malouf answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Yes...: Your dentist should discuss cosmetic options when you visit with him or her to address your lost filling. Great dentists want you to look your best after dental care. Depending on your specific concerns, you may want additional "cosmetic" work done at the same time as your problem tooth. Share your concerns, weigh the options, and go for it.

Answered 8/20/2013

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Dr. Carol Stanton answered

Specializes in Dentistry

See your dentist: You need to see a dentist to develop a realistic treatment plan. Any areas of decay will likely be treated first to prevent the problem from developing into something more than just a filling. However, if your cosmetic concerns are primary, often something can be done at least temporarily while your dental health is addressed elsewhere in your mouth.

Answered 3/2/2014

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Dr. John Thaler answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

Filling: You must restore the tooth and it must be healthy for cosmetic dentistry to be the best. Consider, however, the shade of the filling and what cosmetic treatment is to be done and how this filling relates to it. Good luck.

Answered 3/15/2013

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Can combine both: The first order of treatment protocol would be to treat any emergency situations, whether they are infections, pain or trauma. Next is an examination, x-rays and treatment plan. The most serious problems are usually treated before any cosmetic work is done. However, each filling can be done in the most esthetic manner as a step towards a comprehensive final result.

Answered 9/8/2013

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Get the filling: If the filling fell out, get that tooth treated now. You can also get a cosmetic consult at the first visit. A small cavity or defective filling can turn into a root canal eventually or the tooth may fracture.

Answered 7/4/2013

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Dr. Marielaina Perrone answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

The lost filling...: Should be considered a priority and not delayed in favor of cosmetic dentistry. If left untreated tooth decay will develop further necessitating the need for a root canal or even the chance of losing that tooth.

Answered 9/8/2013

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Dr. Alexander Gamber answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Depends on you: Really depends on what you want. Lost filling does indicate decay, but really both can be done. If you are concerned about appearances, get the cosmetic done first. Just know you must get the decay taken care of well and as soon as you can.

Answered 4/15/2014

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Filling first: And also a dental checkup for decay and other cavities before evaluation for cosmetic dentistry. This way reducing potential harm by progressing decay and need for further treatment , i e root canal treatment ..

Answered 2/27/2017

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Dr. George Ayoub answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

It depends: It depends if in front or back check with your dentist it can be done at same time sometimes.

Answered 4/29/2014

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Filling First: If you've lost a filling, you now have a hole in your tooth. That hole will definitely get bigger and bigger, leading to more expensive dentistry and quite possibly a toothache. Maybe, you'll even lose that tooth. Cosmetic dentistry can wait until your tooth is fixed...your smile isn't getting worse every day, but that hole in your tooth is. So, get a new filling, then have a cosmetic dental exam.

Answered 6/14/2017

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